Former County Treasurer Sentenced for Embezzlement

Elizabeth Guffer, the former treasurer of Santa Cruz County, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday for unlawfully taking nearly $39 million over a decade.

The 63-year-old Guffer, dressed in black, stood quietly as US District Judge Rosemary Marquez delivered the sentence in a Tucson federal court, also requiring her to repay the stolen funds.

In the sentencing, Marquez addressed Guffer, stating, “I come to this country every day to represent those fighting for their lives, trying to put food on the table.” She added, “You had opportunities as a US citizen; there’s no excuse for this.”

Guffer was taken into custody immediately after the ruling.

Rudy Morela, a Santa Cruz County supervisor, expressed his belief that Guffer should have received a lengthier sentence, suggesting around 35 years would be more appropriate.

“I’ve known Liz for 50 years,” Morela stated during the proceedings. “She certainly had the capability to manipulate those around her.”

Guffer had been in her role as treasurer from 2013 until 2024. She entered a guilty plea in November to charges that included embezzlement, money laundering, and tax evasion.

Investigations revealed that Guffer took approximately $38.7 million and funneled it into a bank account linked to a fraudulent company she established to evade taxes. The misappropriated funds were used for home renovations, purchasing over 20 vehicles, and acquiring multiple properties.

Her defense attorney mentioned that Guffer had returned some assets to her family, aiming to begin repaying the misappropriated funds.

“We anticipate recovering between $10.73 million and $13.53 million or possibly more,” he noted.

The defense argued for a sentence of less than six years. Guffer’s lawyer, Joshua Hamilton, acknowledged the length of the sentence but also emphasized the seriousness of her actions.

“The request is for a sentence that considers all that the judge highlighted,” Hamilton explained.

Guffer resigned from her position in April 2024, shortly after inquiries into missing funds were initiated by county, state, and federal agencies following reports of suspicious activities.

Santa Cruz County had filed a lawsuit against Guffer in August, charging her with fraud, conversion, civil conspiracy, assault, and breach of fiduciary duty.